The Orem Public Library recently announced a community initiative to read the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," as part of a nationwide program called The Big Read 2008 that will take place this fall.

"We want to help our community find vicarious life experiences through literature," said Lori Stevens, Orem Library division manager, in an e-mail. "We hope that by exploring human experiences that differ from our own, we can create and support lifelong learners, enlarge our community's perspective, foster a respectful, open dialogue between groups, and ultimately build a better community."

The Big Read was established in 2006 to restore reading to the center of American culture by increasing the number of adults reading literature, according to The Big Read Web site.

The Big Read encourages communities to read the same book and talk about it, Kipen said. He said he believes when groups of people are talking about the same book, it makes others want to read, so they can join in conversation.

"We find if you give people something to come together around, they're hungry for it," said David Kipen, National Endowment for the Arts director for national reading initiatives.

"If we could get everyone in Orem to read a book and like it, I would bury The Big Read in Arlington Cemetery myself," Kipen said. "It [reading] gives you empathy. It enables you to think yourself into the skin of someone else."

Orem Library selected "To Kill a Mockingbird" because it discusses many of the same issues that face the community, Stevens said.

"The story is accessible to a wide span of ages and appeals to readers from every walk of life," Stevens said. "Orem is becoming an increasingly diverse community, which brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. ... It is our hope that those who join us in reading Harper Lee's novel will find themselves more tolerant, kinder and more appreciative of all their neighbors, as well as take the opportunity to pause and reflect on the good people, memories and events that have shaped their lives."

The Big Read is made possible through a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest, and is supplemented by a $5,000 grant from the Utah Humanities Council.

Orem Library will receive additional support through partnerships with UVU Library and the City of Orem.

For additional information on how to get involved call the Orem Library general reference desk at 801-229-7175.

Copyright Brigham Young University 2 Jul 2008